Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
80 ft
About Travertine Falls
Travertine Falls is a small, picturesque cascade framed by the pale, layered travertine rock that gives the site its name. Nestled within the Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area on land owned by DESG and managed by tribal authorities (TRIB), the falls offer a tranquil, creekside setting ideal for a short nature escape and quiet photography sessions. The route to the falls is short and very approachable — a 0.4-mile out-and-back with about 80 feet of elevation gain rated easy — making it a popular stop for families and day hikers. If you plan to camp, Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw) is less than 0.2 km away, so the falls make an excellent quick destination after setting up camp or a pleasant morning walk before breaking camp.
The Setting
Travertine Falls sits at 961 feet within Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Rock Creek, in the foothills of Oklahoma.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 80 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a short, easy out-and-back trail of approximately 0.4 miles with about 80 feet of elevation gain. The path follows Travertine Creek, is generally well-maintained and mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, and is suitable for most skill levels. Trail type: out-and-back. Difficulty: easy. Nearby camping: Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw) — ~0.17 km.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Travertine Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Travertine Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more active due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and creek. Watch for poison ivy along the trail, and stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the environment.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 36 years of record
5.57 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Rock Creek at Sulphur, OK (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
14 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
14 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
15 cfs
4/10Mon
Moderate
16 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
14 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
12 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
12 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid June, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sulphur hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Travertine Falls is located near Sulphur, Oklahoma, within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Visitors can access the falls via the Travertine Creek area, which is well-marked with signs throughout the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated lots near the Travertine Creek area. The parking areas are typically well-maintained and close to the trailheads.
Elevation
961 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.505645° N, -96.969183° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Pauls Valley - City Lake
Turner Falls Park Villa
Village Inn
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hotel - Pauls Valley by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw)
0.1 miles away · 64 sites
Overview Cold Springs Campground is a popular summer campground conveniently located 5-7 minutes from the town of Sulphur. Travertine Creek, directly across from Cold Springs, provides several refreshing spring-fed swimming areas to escape the summer heat. Other nearby attractions, such as Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center, make this campground an ideal location for both seasoned and first-time campers.El Camping Cold Springs es un popular camping de verano, convenientemente ubicado
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area include Little Niagara Falls, Buffalo Springs, and the Travertine Nature Center.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in Travertine Creek.
Cities near Travertine Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Travertine Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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